Libraries have been part of the human experience since the beginning of recorded history, after all if you write a history book, you need some place to put it! At Teitsch-Kent-Fay Architects, P.C. we have been fortunate to assist a number of communities with their library designs. One aspect of our work with libraries that makes the experience so significant to us is that each library we work on is a reflection of the community in which it is located, with each having their own particular qualities that make them remarkable and unique.
Our firm assisted our first library client in 1975 and since then the priorities for libraries have changed significantly. However, one aspect remains true: the library remains the vital and significant center of the community providing a wonderful nexus of educational, cultural, and entertainment interests. The libraries we worked for have a wide variety of special interests from art museum and gallery functions, to local history collections, to an interior theme based on the “Wizard of Oz”, and many, many more.
A design concept we often use when assisting a library client is creating spaces that can accommodate a variety of uses, while still maintaining the integrity of each function. An example of this is the study space within a library building. This type of space should be able to accommodate quiet, individual study, as well as one on one tutoring areas, and even small study groups that need to work together. To accomplish this we must design a space that balances issues such as acoustic separation, appropriate lighting levels, and spatial intimacy. Additionally, since the COVID-19 Pandemic we are even more aware of the importance of social distancing and how the indoor environment affects patrons’ health.
Another element we have to consider when designing libraries is the importance of age appropriateness to the space. For instance, a story hour space has to be visually interesting, but not so much that it distracts the kids from what is going on. On the other hand, spaces for adult literacy or young adult study must be focused, attractive, and even fun. Ultimately, all of these spaces must add to the positive experience of the learner.
Technology plays a hugely important role in the design of library spaces. Decades ago, large groups of computers with enormous cathode ray monitors dominated the space. Now such “computer rooms” are essentially a thing of the past, having been replaced with much more spontaneous spaces that allow for a laptop or tablet, with one of the most important elements being fast wi-fi access, and the ability to charge devices while partaking in all of the wonders the library has to offer.
Library design is very dear to our hearts here at TKF as it gives us a chance to do one of our favorite things. That is to immerse ourselves in the unique and fascinating aspects of each community we assist, and at the same time, bring our design experience to bear, to solve the issues that are needed in creative ways to provide for the spatial requirements while allowing the uniqueness to be celebrated.
